A former Russian army commander, Major General Ivan Popov, has been detained on suspicion of large-scale fraud, according to reports from Russian state-run media. The 49-year-old general is set to remain in custody for two months.
Popov’s attorney stated that the general denies all allegations against him. He was previously dismissed as commander of the 58th Army after voicing concerns about significant military casualties and inadequate artillery support during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Sources from Russia’s Tass and Ria Novosti news agencies indicated that Popov’s case will be managed by the 235th garrison military court. His detention is described as a “preventative measure” following a court decision made on May 17.
Popov had gained attention for publicly addressing serious issues within the military, stating, “It was necessary either to keep quiet and be a coward or to say it the way it is.” He pointed out deficiencies such as a lack of counter-battery systems and military intelligence.
He accused senior commanders of treason, claiming that his dismissal was orchestrated by them and approved by then-defense minister Sergei Shoigu. Following Shoigu’s recent replacement by Andrei Belousov, analysts suggest this reflects a shift in the Kremlin’s approach, particularly as it allocates substantial resources to the war while facing corruption issues within the armed forces.
Recent events indicate a tightening grip on military leadership, with high-profile arrests such as that of Shoigu’s deputy, Timur Ivanov, on corruption charges. Reports suggest Belousov is reorganizing the defense ministry, moving away from Shoigu’s associates.
In other developments, Russia has initiated tactical nuclear weapons exercises involving Iskander and hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which analysts interpret as a warning to Ukraine’s Western allies. Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues in northeastern and eastern Ukraine as Russian forces maintain their offensive.